Very good read for anyone asking which winch they should get. While this is about the Warn 8000, the decision process is pretty useful for anyone looking for a winch. Some thoughts worth noting on the plethora of cheap winches from China, as well ...

http://www.overlandexpo.com/overland-tech-travel/2012/8/2/warn-m8000ultimate-overlanding-winch.html

 

I was running out of funds when I purchased my winch, I ended up buying a Smittybilt 10000lb unit. It has been three years with lots of pulls and it has never let me down. It did stop once while on the JKX 2012 but it turned out to be a loose ground cable on the winch body. On the other hand my son purchased a VR 10000 and with only three pulls on it it has been in for work on two occasions. The Warn rep informed him it was designed as a farm winch and should not be used in the way he was using it. I like Warn but highly recommend staying away from the VR series. Here is a pic of my sons JK when I had to winch him out (snatch block double backed) Very hard pull, before you ask we could not pull backwards as that was attempted and the rear bumper was torn off.

 

Yep, my smittybilt is only a few months old but I've used it 5 times and it didn't even hesitate. Plus the internals are seemingly all from china and assembled here so I saved $$$$$$$ getting off my high horse and buying a smitty

 

Interesting article Mark. I bought a used M8000 and needed to clean up the planetary side because water and mud had gotten in. The previous owner did not have the gasket on the clutch handle. Regardless of the brand, inspection and maintenance is needed!